Trainer Robert Smerdon says the barrier draw will be crucial for Under The Louvre in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield.
A capacity field of 16 is expected for the 1400m-Group One handicap after 27 horses were nominated on Monday including Group One winners Lucky Hussler and Cosmic Endeavour.
Smerdon said Under The Louvre, a backmarker, would need luck getting a run through the field in what was sure to be a high tempo race.
“Barriers will play a big part,” Smerdon said.
“This is one place where you need a lot of luck.
“You hope it’s a high pressure race which will suit him, and with Charmed Harmony in it, they should be running along.”
Smerdon said Under The Louvre had trained on nicely since his last-start close second to Churchill Dancer in the Bobbie Lewis Quality at Flemington on September 12.
He said the gelding was held up at the wrong time before charging to the line.
“Last time he went to come out underneath a horse but there wasn’t quite the room and he had to steady, come back out and that was enough,” Smerdon said.
“An on-pacer makes his own luck, a backmarker has to have things unfold.”
Mark Zahra will again have the mount on Saturday.
First-up Flemington winner Disposition is the early $3.60 favourite ahead of Stratum Star at $6.
Under The Louvre has met with good support, having his price slashed from $13 into $6.50, and is now on the third line of betting.
